Young LBs need to step up, Burkhead honored–Big Red Report (AUDIO)

Nebraska linebackers Coach Ross Els talks about how the Huskers need their inexperienced linebackers to step up for the rest of the season with the loss of Zaire Anderson and even though Nebraska is playing Idaho State, a Football Championship Subdivision, team, (Formally 1-AA), Els thinks the Huskers will have their work cut out for them with the passing attack the Bengals use.

Earlier in the week, I-back Rex Burkhead was recognized for his community outreach endeavors as he was named to the 2012 American Football Coaches Association’s Good Works Team. Burkhead, has been active in the community throughout his time at Nebraska. He was the 2012 Uplifting Athletes Rare Disease Champion for his friendship with 6-year old Jack Hoffman, who has been battling brain cancer. He’s spoken at schools, hosted family tours of Memorial Stadium for children who were recovering from a life-threatening illness, and appeared on a public service announcement challenging youth to avoid bullying.

Burkhead was also a first-team Academic All-American in 2012 and a two-time academic all-conference selection. Burkhead is the 12th Husker football player to receive the honor since its inception in 1992. Last year, defensive tackle Jared Crick was one of 22 players selected for the honor.